Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen and Fatty Stools
Hello, I'm a 29-year-old male experiencing troubling digestive issues since October. Initially, I encountered intense symptoms resembling severe heartburn that persisted for several days at a time. Currently, I'm dealing with a continual burning sensation in my upper abdomen. For the past four to five years, I've endured painful episodes in the upper abdomen severe enough to warrant emergency room visits, as I was concerned about my heart. Once heart issues were excluded, I suspected a problem with my gallbladder. An ultrasound revealed that my gallbladder and pancreas appeared normal (though parts of the pancreas weren't clearly visible), but it did indicate the presence of mild fatty liver, which was surprising since I'm not overweight. Now, I experience consistent abdominal discomfort that isn't agonizing, but it becomes bothersome when I move my neck or twist my torso, and there are moments when the pain intensifies. Over the past few months, I have also faced issues with fatty stools and noticeable weight loss. After researching these symptoms online, I'm increasingly anxious about the possibility of having chronic pancreatitis or potentially something more severe, like pancreatic cancer. What steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 9:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some complex digestive symptoms and understandably feeling anxious about them. Your symptoms of upper abdominal pain, burning sensation, fatty stools, and weight loss can stem from various underlying conditions. Let's focus on what you can do next to address your issues effectively.
Explanation
- Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: The pain combined with positional discomfort could indicate issues with your digestive system, possibly related to liver function or the gallbladder.
- Fatty Stools: This can occur when your body is not properly digesting fats, possibly due to your liver function or a biliary issue.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss, especially when accompanied by digestive symptoms, warrants attention, as it may indicate malabsorption or another underlying health condition.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any dietary factors that seem to trigger or alleviate them. This will help you identify patterns or potential triggers.
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Diet Modifications:
- Focus on a balanced, low-fat diet to ease digestive strain. Avoid heavy, fatty, fried, or greasy foods.
- Reduce processed foods and increase fiber from fruits and vegetables, which can support liver health.
- Stay properly hydrated.
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Avoid Alcohol: Since you mentioned mild fatty liver, it's essential to avoid alcohol entirely, as it can exacerbate liver issues.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids or medications for acid reflux (like omeprazole) may help manage heartburn and acid-related discomfort. Use these as needed but be mindful of their long-term use.
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Seek Further Evaluation: Despite your ultrasound showing normal results, repeat imaging or different tests such as an MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) may be necessary for a more detailed look at your pancreas and biliary structures, especially given your history and symptoms.
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Follow Up on Fatty Liver: Following up with your healthcare provider to discuss your fatty liver diagnosis is important. They may suggest lifestyle changes or further testing to assess liver function.
Lastly, it’s natural to feel worried given the combination of symptoms you described. While serious conditions like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer are possibilities, they are not guaranteed outcomes and often require specific signs or risk factors. Regular management and monitoring can lead to improvement. If your symptoms worsen or new concerning symptoms arise, prompt medical advice is vital. Please take care of yourself as you navigate through this.
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